Elementary School Lesson Plans

This is a list of lesson plans for elementary grade levels.

The Colors of Air Pollution Relay (Grade K)

Students will investigate air quality by using the Air Quality Index. Students will distinguish between healthy air days and unhealthy air days and how the Air Quality Index gives us important information about the air quality.

Students will demonstrate an understanding of why clean air is important after reading a short story and observing pictures. They will be able to identify some of the causes of air pollution, including solutions on how to prevent

In groups, students will research background information on the main air pollutants. After collecting car idling data at school for one week, students make graphs using the information and create slogans for mock no-idling bumper stickers. The class will discuss idling and why it's not good for our health.

Students will discover what biomonitoring is and how it can help determine the ecological health of our national parks. The class will complete field studies, research the effects pollution has on plants and complete the "Plants on Patrol"worksheet.

Students will learn that air pollution is an environmental change that can affect the survival or extinction of plants and animals. Students will conduct a guided internet search to learn about plant and animal adaptations, including those that provide protection from pollution. Students will share the results of their research. The class will engage in outdoor activities to simulate adaptations that help people survive air pollution.

Students work in groups to research the six major air pollutants. Through a mock press conference, students present information in creative ways. Have students "interview" each other and write an article from the interview.

Clean Air for Schools Engines Off! is a program offered through the American Lung Association in Colorado as part of an idle-reduction program. This program and accompanying lesson plans increase awareness and highlights the negative impacts of vehicle idling on children's lung health.